A newly approved gel appears effective in treating a condition called actinic keratosis, which is a common precursor to squamous cell skin cancer, a new study finds. Earlier topical treatments took weeks or even months to treat the condition, but the new product – Picato gel – can work in a matter of days, according to the report in the March 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. "There are a number of agents available to treat precancerous skin lesions," said study author Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a professor and chairman of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Learn more